What is neutrality? Everyone should know this

In recent years, the situation in the world has become very tense. Every now and again in different parts of the world new local conflicts break out, to which more and more countries join. In these difficult conditions, the term "policy of armed neutrality" from time to time is heard from TV screens and printed publications. However, not all people fully understand its significance, as well as the obligations assumed by the states that have declared this status.

Definition of term

The word "neutrality" has Latin roots. In translation, it means "neither one nor the other." This term has spread in international law. It is used when talking about the state's refusal to participate in a war in troubled times and from joining one of the military blocs into a peaceful one. In other words, neutrality is when the state takes a loyal position in relation to the views of other countries that are parties to the conflict.

Types of neutrality

The neutrality of states has several types and can be fixed in various ways. This term can be used in four meanings:

1. States such as Switzerland and Austria observe permanent neutrality . This status is enshrined in domestic regulations and is recognized throughout the world. States that declared themselves as supporters of permanent neutrality can not participate in wars, consist in military alliances and permit the erection of foreign military facilities on their territory.

2. Some countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America have a positive neutrality . They declare the observance of international security, assistance in the removal of international tension, the abandonment of the arms race. Once in three years, the Conference is held, during which countries reaffirm their status.

3. Sweden is one of the countries that declare traditional neutrality . Its main feature is that the state does not consolidate its status anywhere and adheres to the policy of neutrality on a voluntary basis. At the same time, it can at any time stop observing its obligations, since it has not declared its status anywhere.

4. States often sign international documents declaring their obligations. Negotiated neutrality is what this species is called. An example is the agreement reached by the Russian Federation and Canada in Ottawa in 1992. It is a Treaty of Consent and Cooperation between countries.

Many international authoritative jurists call the permanent neutrality the supreme form, which acts on all armed clashes without exception. The state that has embarked on this path undertakes significant obligations not only in the military, but also in peacetime. In addition to being unable to participate in conflicts, to be part of the blocs and to allow the erection of foreign military infrastructure facilities, it can not use an armed clash as a method of solving acute geopolitical problems.

Restrictions in wartime

According to the norms of international law, if the state declared its neutrality during the war, it is obliged to observe three rules:

1. Under no circumstances should military assistance be provided to the conflicting countries.

2. Do not allow the conflicting countries to use their territory for military purposes.

3. Introduce the same restrictions on the supply of arms and military goods to the conflicting parties. This is necessary in order not to single out one of the involved parties and thereby not support it.

History of the concept formation

If we consider neutrality in the historical perspective, then for the inhabitants of states that existed in the era of the Ancient World, he was alien. In the Middle Ages, this phenomenon began to acquire its modern significance. Medieval countries declared their common religious and cultural views and tried to maintain neutrality, but in some cases it was not observed. We are talking, first of all, about wars in the sea. Only since the XVI century, states began to understand that neutrality is a status that should be respected.

Let's give some examples

The first time in history when countries declared armed neutrality, dates back to the late eighteenth century. In world history, a noticeable trace was left by the alliance of major world powers, who undertook to protect the principles set forth in the Declaration of Catherine II, adopted in February 1780. It included the Russian Empire, France, Spain, the United States, Denmark, Sweden, Prussia, Austria, Portugal, Sicily. This union functioned as long as there was a war for the independence of the American colonies from England. After the end of the war in 1783, he actually disintegrated.

In 1800, the so-called second armed neutrality was concluded between the Russian Empire, Denmark, Sweden and Prussia. It was based on the principles of the Catherine Declaration with minor changes. However, after the death of Paul I and the accession to the throne of Alexander I, he ceased to exist.

Let's sum up

Neutrality is a legal status that has gone a long way, until finally it has gained its modern meaning. A great contribution to its development was made by the Russian Empress Catherine II, who set forth many of his principles in the Declaration of 1780. If the state declares its neutrality, it assumes significant obligations. This is equally true for peaceful and wartime. Therefore, this phenomenon is not as common in the world as we would like.